What is the most effective way to get out the vote?

[burning bush]

Is it bringing new people into the process, registering voters, helping unlikely voters get to the polls?

What else?

What REALLY works? Opinions, statistics, and intuitive guesses are all welcome.

I ask because I believe that GOTV is the ONLY thing that will win this election. Like the Doors sang "They got the guns, but we got the numbers, we're gonna win, yeah we're taking over!"

If we get out the vote, there is no way the Repugs can throw a con, no way they can take four more of our years away.

ideas? bring 'em on!

[Virginian]

1. Work the polls so the lines aren't so long they discourage...

the voters from sticking it out and staying to vote.

I have had people check-in and then leave because they can't wait any longer before going to work, picking up the kids, or some other reason.

The fewer people working the polls, the slower the lines. The greater the turn out the better chance for our guy, which ever one he or she is.

[burning bush]

2. excellent idea!

I'll work out how to volunteer on Monday. Its proactive and effective.

Does anyone know if there are a maximum number of positions per poll?

[AP]

3. TV.

Then radio.

So donate money to your candidates, and to MoveOn.org.

And phone bank and stamp envelopes for campaigns.

[jiacinto]

4. Seeral Things

TV is one area, along with media.

Second GOTV is crucial. That involves:

1) Registering voters in high performing Dem precincts (above 60-65%) and making sure they come out. That should be done very early on.

2) Sending literature to voters in base and swing precincts.

3) Calling those voters.

4) Door knocking on swing areas.

[Maple]

5. Dunno if it's the same in the US

so this is purely a guess on my part.

When you vote here, your name is crossed off the voter's list that all poll workers have in front of them.

The polls stay open till 8pm...and at dinner time..5-6pm... the candidate gets a copy of that list with the cross-offs.

That way, the candidate's support people can call those who haven't voted yet, and offer them a ride to the polls. It reminds people, gives them a subtle boot, and with the ride...makes them an offer they can't refuse. Nicely.

During the day, supporters also call people and remind them to vote, or ask again for their support.

In the week right before the election ads are run saying 'it doesn't matter HOW you vote...but vote'. Usually adds 'have your say' or something to that effect.

[Kanary]

6. Provide a reason to vote

Make sure your candidate is speaking to the issues that get people involved.

Example: I heard people talking about registering homeless people, and getting them to the poles. Charitable idea, but if the candidate isn't saying anything about homelessness, or an issue that would affect them, why would they go to the effort?

That's one example... I'm sure you can think of others.

Good luck!

Kanary

[Lefty48197]

7. Speaking to potential voters face to face

I saw a survey by one of the unions awhile back (AFL-CIO?) that said the workers who were most likely to show up at the polls were the ones that had had conversations with fellow workers about the upcoming election.

[Kitsune]

8. Make Election Day a national holiday.

Lots of people who would vote can't because their jobs won't give them time off to perform a basic civic duty.